The Seafarers' Union of Russia assisted a crew member of the M/V San Alberto (Liberian flag) to receive the final payment of wages - almost $7,500.

The Russian applied to SUR after the signing off from the vessel. According to the seafarer, he worked out the contact and repatriated from Argentina, but has not received the final payment promised by his employer. The company hasn't replied to his letters concerning the debt.

SUR entered into correspondence with the shipowner regarding the issue of debt repayment. It wasn't until after the interference of the trade union the company transferred the owing salary to the Russian seafarer; the seafarer, having received the money, thanked the union for the assistance in addressing his problem.

SUR adds: if you are going to work on a vessel not covered by a collective agreement, then you should think about membership in a trade union. Remember, a non-unionized seafarer is an unprotected seafarer.